So last year was the most seismic year of my life. I consider my ālong 2023ā to have started in August 2022, during my first break up.
I had never experienced heartbreak like that. I threw myself into the gym and my new teaching job (and first full time position after uni). I discovered online dating for the first time, to my peril. I became extremely thin, and totally revelled in my sadness. I thought myself so profound, and this was compounded by numerous and terrible situationships. I went through what was probably my second genuine heartbreak.
Come about March- time, I started to āfix upā emotionally. I met some of my best friends, and was partying every weekend (ā¦ and some weeknights). It was the busiest few months of my life. I then met my now- partner, who introduced me to another lovely circle of people.
March to December have been the happiest, silliest and busiest months of my life. I made some incredible memories with my friends and deepened my relationship with my partner. However, Iāve gotten pretty physically unhealthy, andā¦ blew through what were already pretty meagre savings.
I regret nothing. The expense, ultimately, was worth it. As I progress through my twenties Iāve come to think of my life in terms of periods and seasons, as opposed to linear and unfaltering progress. I still worked hard this year, professionally. I had an article published in a blog, and successfully applied for my September apprenticeship. But this aspect of my life- my self- development and self- care- must come first now.
This year, I must calm down. This is certainly not punishment for my happiness. I have had a blast and I would not change a second of it. I just am acknowledging that I need to re- route (and re-root) myself.
Iām starting a new position tomorrow, as a cover teacher at a school closer to my home. Then, in September, I begin my official teacher training year. In the interim, my focus is on my health, my mind, and my existing relationships.
At my core, I thrive in my aloneness- I love to write and read, draw and paint. These things fell by the wayside in what Iāve been calling my ārecoveryā. Iām on day 7 of not smoking (a silly habit I picked up to make friends and ended up sticking), and Iām back in the gym. Iāve cleaned my room for the first time in months, and Iāve been hitting 8 hours of sleep most nights.
My socialising now consists of wine- free restaurant meals and chats over coffee. I have a few glasses of wine once a week, and have made my friends swear to only invite me āout- outā once a month from this point onward. My partner and I take it in turns to dream up āweekend datesā, and spend our time traipsing museums and looking up life drawing classes.
I want this blog to reflect these things in the coming weeks and months. I am studying in my spare time in preparation for my training year, reading copiously, learning freely. As an aside, Iām, like, actually drinking water and eating vegetables again too. Iām going to try to stay consistent with an 100 days of productivity challenge. Please do join me! I love and miss my posting on this blog.
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